Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his failure to compensate for wind conditions which resulted in a ground loop.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While performing a landing in gusty crosswinds, the student pilot lost directional control of the tail-wheeled airplane and veered off the 4,000-foot by 75-foot runway. After the airplane left the runway surface, the airplane hit a bump and "ground-looped." The pilot added that this accident could have been avoided by executing a crosswind landing with greater proficiency. The pilot further reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
While performing a landing in gusty crosswinds, the student pilot lost directional control of the tail-wheeled airplane and veered off the 4,000-foot by 75-foot runway. After the airplane left the runway surface, the airplane hit a bump and "ground-looped." The pilot added that this accident could have been avoided by executing a crosswind landing with greater proficiency. The pilot further reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.